finance

    Money Problems in India: Let’s Talk Honestly

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    Let’s be honest — managing money in India today isn’t easy.

    Whether you’re earning ₹15K a month or ₹1.5L, somehow the money just... disappears. Rent, EMIs, weddings, groceries, helping family, Swiggy orders — it's like your salary comes in and immediately files for divorce.

    And most of us never really learned how to handle money. We just do what we saw growing up: work hard, pay bills, send money home, save “something if possible.”

    But here’s the truth — you’re not alone, and it’s okay to admit that money is tight.

    Why Do Money Problems Keep Coming Back?

    1. Cost of living is going up, salaries aren’t. From vegetables to school fees, everything’s more expensive. But are our paychecks growing that fast? Nope.
    2. Cultural pressure. Big weddings, gold, family expectations — it’s part of our culture, but it adds financial stress that people don’t always talk about.
    3. Lack of financial education. No one taught us about credit scores, SIPs, or budgeting in school. We had to figure it out from YouTube or trial-and-error.
    4. Helping family = priority. For many of us, especially in middle-class families, supporting parents or siblings financially is normal. And noble. But it can also stretch you thin.
    5. EMIs everywhere. Phone EMI, car EMI, furniture EMI — easy to get, hard to manage when too many stack up.

    So, What Can We Actually Do?

    Not magic — but small, consistent actions help.

    • Track your spending. Apps like Walnut, Money View, or just a Google Sheet — find out where your money goes. You’ll be shocked at how much is spent on little things.
    • Start small savings. Even ₹500 a month in a recurring deposit or SIP builds a habit. The amount doesn’t matter — the habit does.
    • Limit unnecessary EMIs. Ask yourself: do I need this, or do I just want it now? Delay can be your financial best friend.
    • Talk to your family. This is tough. But if you’re under pressure to send more money than you can afford, have an open conversation. Respectfully, but honestly.
    • Learn about money. There are so many free resources in India now — YouTube channels like CA Rachana Ranade, Groww, or Kuvera make finance simple.

    Being broke doesn’t mean you’re irresponsible. It means you’re human, living in a country where money stretches in too many directions. We carry guilt, pressure, and fear — but we don’t have to carry it alone.

    Start small. Be kind to yourself. And remember — it’s not about being rich. It’s about being in control.